New on-call firefighters are unveiled
RESIDENTS have successfully passed out as on-call firefighters at a ceremony in Widnes.
Sophie Cowle, Stephen Grounds, James Giblin, Andrew Humphreys, Andrew Rhodes, Rob Hawthorn, Alex Goodrum and Michel Dutton have been officially welcomed into Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service.
A ninth recruit, Thomas Lampartar, was away on honeymoon but will be presented with his certificate on his return.
Over the last five months the nine recruits have completed their training that culminated in a pass-out parade that included a drill demonstration from the new firefighters in front of the chief fire officer Paul Hancock, deputy chair of Cheshire Fire Authority Cllr Stef Nelson, fellow firefighters and family and friends.
The recruits will serve the new Penketh Fire Station.
Halton Brook ward Cllr Nelson, said: “We take great pride in the quality of our firefighters and in their commitment to serving the public and the communities of Cheshire.
“For me, as deputy chair of the Fire Authority and as a local councillor, I take even greater pride in seeing local people compelled to give something back to keep friends and neighbours safe.
“As an authority we always want to provide the best possible fire and rescue service.
“We hope that, as new on-call firefighters, they already feel that they are helping us to achieve that goal.”
The recruitment of on-call firefighters for Penketh follows the proposals and public consultation to build a new fire station on Widnes Road, and the facility is due to open later this year.
On-call firefighters come from all walks of life and work alongside their full-time colleagues.
Mr Hancock said: “Working with the fire and rescue service is a thoroughly rewarding experience. It gives individuals the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and meet people in the community as well as responding to emergency incidents within Cheshire.”
For more information about on-call firefighters visit www. cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs/on-callfirefighter-recruitment